2023-10-28 16:40:51
Title: Beat Fatigue and Boost Energy with Chicory: A Natural Solution for Seasonal Tiredness
Subtitle: Tiredness during Seasonal Changes can be Combated with a Delicious Vegetable Shake and Salad
October 28, 2023, 4:40 p.m. | By Natalie Hull-Deichsel
As the seasons change from summer to autumn or winter to spring, many people experience fatigue and a lack of energy. Fatigue can stem from various causes, such as lack of sleep, stress, or underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism or fatty liver disease. To combat this tiredness effectively, incorporating certain foods into your diet, such as chicory, can provide a much-needed energy boost.
Chicory, a versatile vegetable, offers numerous benefits for our metabolism and overall well-being. It plays a crucial role in replenishing the body’s energy levels, making it an ideal choice for combatting fatigue during seasonal transitions.
With the arrival of autumn and winter, the days become shorter, which triggers the pineal gland in the brain’s diencephalon to produce the hormone melatonin. This hormone induces sleepiness, and the time change at the end of October further exacerbates this effect. Similarly, the onset of spring brings another time change, contributing to drowsiness as well. This adjustment in our biological clock can be challenging, as our body adapts to the changing temperatures between winter and spring.
To combat fatigue effectively, a chicory-orange-carrot shake or a chicory-orange salad can provide the necessary energy boost. Here are the recipes for these delicious and revitalizing options:
1. Chicory-Orange-Carrot Shake
Ingredients:
– 150 g Chicory
– 120 g oranges
– 170 g carrot juice
– Optional: 1 small glass of grapefruit juice
– 1 to 2 teaspoons of agave syrup
Preparation:
1. Pluck the chicory leaves, wash them thoroughly, and cut them into small pieces.
2. Squeeze oranges, or use straight orange juice.
3. Peel and chop carrots, or use straight carrot juice.
4. Place all ingredients in a tall container and puree.
5. Season with agave syrup, pour into glasses, and serve chilled.
6. Optionally, add some grapefruit juice, rich in vitamin C.
2. Chicory and Orange Salad
Ingredients:
– 3 to 4 chicory
– 300 g orange, clementines, or tangerines
– 1 handful of basil
– 3 tbsp raspberry vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 1 pinch of chili flakes
Preparation:
1. Pluck the chicory leaves, wash them thoroughly, and cut them into fine strips.
2. Peel the oranges and cut them into small pieces.
3. Wash and chop fresh basil leaves.
4. Dress the salad with the remaining ingredients and spices in a salad bowl.
5. Mix well and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
The change of seasons affects our hormonal balance and neurotransmitters in the brain, shifting the release of serotonin after the winter’s melatonin production. Additionally, the perception of higher outside temperatures causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in lower blood pressure and potential dizziness. Lack of winter fruits and vegetables, along with associated vitamin deficiencies, can further complicate the transition from winter to spring.
Fortunately, there are ways to revitalize the body after the long winter. Engaging in regular outdoor activities like walking or jogging, taking alternating showers with cold and warm water, and staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day can provide a much-needed energy boost.
When it comes to nutrition, incorporating foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help combat fatigue. Citrus fruits like oranges, nuts, and chicory are particularly beneficial for tired individuals, providing them with the necessary nutrients to rejuvenate their physical strength.
According to Dr. Anne Fleck, an internationally recognized expert in preventive and nutritional medicine, chicory is a fantastic food that supports blood purification, liver detoxification, and bile production. The bitter substances in chicory also act as purifiers and diuretics. Moreover, chicory is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, particularly the fiber inulin, which promotes a healthy intestinal flora.
It is important to note that this article provides general information on the topic of fatigue and nutritional solutions. It is not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. For personalized advice and medical concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.]
#Boost #metabolism #chicory